Euro 2008: Philipp Lahm Returns to the World Stage

byDavidonJune 25, 2008

Philipp Lahm enjoyed a successful but not spectacular Euro 2008 campaign up until today’s semi-final match against Turkey. In Germany’s 3-2 victory over the Turks, Lahm assisted on the second goal and scored the game winner in the 90th minute of play.

It has been a solid two months for the fullback. On May 16, he signed a contract extension with his club FC Bayern Munich that will keep him on the books at the Bundesliga outfit until 2012.

Only 24-years-old, Lahm is entering the prime of his career.

Other notes from the match:

Jens Lehmann’s lack of first-team minutes with Arsenal this past season may play a huge role in the championship final. He did not look ready for the challenge from what was essentially a B-team Turkish lineup. Spain and Russia both have excellent attacking options. It could be a long day for Lehmann and the Germans on Sunday.

One has to believe that if Turkey had its three best offensive options today (Nihat Kahveci, Tuncay Şanlı, and Arda Turan), the team probably would have advanced against Germany.

Still, three come-from-behind victories after the 75th minute should go down as one of the more impressive feats in the history of the European championship.